Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building (King) - Image 1
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Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building (King)

4.1
·309 reviews·Yokohama, Japan

The 'King' building offers historic charm and stunning Yokohama Bay views, accessible during rare public open days.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Special Open Days

Rare access to interiors & rooftop

CrowdMedium
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Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building (King) - Image 1

Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building (King)

Best Time

Special Open Days

Rare access to interiors & rooftop

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The 'King' building offers historic charm and stunning Yokohama Bay views, accessible during rare public open days.

4.1
(309 reviews)

"The rooftop view was amazing, something you don't usually see."

Vertical photo
TIP

📅 Check for Open Days

Public access is limited; look for announcements of special open days for interior tours and rooftop access.

📸 Rooftop Photo Ops

The rooftop offers incredible panoramic views of Yokohama Bay – a must-see for photographers!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Yokohama Bay Views

Panoramic Yokohama Bay Views

Rooftop

Soak in stunning vistas of Yokohama's vibrant bay, iconic buildings, and bustling port from the building's elevated vantage point.

Historic Interior & Architecture

Historic Interior & Architecture

Inside the building

Explore the 'King' building's classic architecture and historical ambiance, especially during special open days.

Former VIP Room Tour

Former VIP Room Tour

Inside the building (during open days)

Step back in time with a guided tour of the elegantly preserved former VIP room, offering a glimpse into the past.

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Planning Your Visit

Accessing the 'King' Building

The Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building, often called the 'King' building, is primarily an administrative office. Public access is usually limited, but special open days offer unique opportunities to explore its historic interiors and enjoy panoramic city views. Keep an eye out for these events to experience its charm.

Rooftop Views & Special Events

While general entry is restricted, the building's rooftop offers breathtaking views of Yokohama Bay and its iconic landmarks. Special 'open days' are announced, often featuring family-friendly events and tours of historically significant areas like the former VIP room. Check local announcements for these rare opportunities.

Best Times

When
Special Open Days
Why
Rare access to interiors & rooftop
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays (exterior view)
Why
See the iconic 'King' building
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

cuánto salió mi viaje a japón? 🇯🇵 les traigo el presupuesto de mi viaje de 8 semanas para dos personas, pasando por tokio, kioto, osaka y visitando kamakura (kanagawa), yokohama (kanagawa), kawagoe (saitama) y nara. El total fue sumando el menor de los precios que fui dando y en el resultado sin extras quité el presupuesto de gastos personales, experiencias y el tren bala (shinkansen) 🚅 ya que es ...
@dyon.gerous
36.7K likes • 243.4K views

📅 Check for Open Days

Public access is limited; look for announcements of special open days for interior tours and rooftop access. Reddit

📸 Rooftop Photo Ops

The rooftop offers incredible panoramic views of Yokohama Bay – a must-see for photographers! Reddit

Must visit real life anime locations in Japan (7/10)🕵️ Anime: Bungo Stray Dogs (文豪ストレイドッグス)🐀 Location: Yokohama, Kanagawa (横浜市)➡️ Yokohama is a beautiful town located west of Tokyo that I highly recommend visiting☺️✨ #bungoustraydogs #文豪ストレイドッグス #animereallife #聖地巡礼 #tokyo #japan
@otakuintokyo
21.4K likes • 139K views
The next station is Yokohama , Japan #yokohama #japantravel #横浜
@ymh_films_
15.1K likes • 362K views

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun on Open Days

Open days often include family-friendly events and activities, making it a great outing for all ages. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore Yokohama Nearby

The building is in Yokohama, a city with many attractions like Minato Mirai. TikTok+1

Yokohama, located just south of Tokyo, is Japan’s second-largest city by population, with approximately 3.8 million residents as of 2025. It is a major port city and a prominent commercial hub, known for its modern skyline, historic Western-influenced architecture, and vibrant waterfront areas like Minato Mirai. Yokohama played a key role in Japan’s international trade following the country’s open...
@real.estates
12K likes • 472.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📅 Check for Open Days

Public access is limited; look for announcements of special open days for interior tours and rooftop access. Reddit

📸 Rooftop Photo Ops

The rooftop offers incredible panoramic views of Yokohama Bay – a must-see for photographers! Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun on Open Days

Open days often include family-friendly events and activities, making it a great outing for all ages. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Explore Yokohama Nearby

The building is in Yokohama, a city with many attractions like Minato Mirai. TikTok+1

What Travellers Say

4.1
(309 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building, especially during its rare open days, for its stunning rooftop views of Yokohama Bay and its historic interior ambiance. The chance to explore areas like the former VIP room is a significant draw, offering a meaningful experience. However, access is limited, and it's primarily an administrative building, so planning around special events is crucial.

"This building is a Yokohama city hall! Basically tourists can’t get in the building. But I fortunately had a great chance to get in when they have a popes to public! The building itself is old looks it was built long time ago and have a history, so they have great atmosphere inside!! Especially I love the rooftop! You can see all around the Yokohama bay!! It’s beautiful!! And you can see famous buildings from here!! When you have a chance please try here!! Enjoy!!"

Erine Taguchi

"Also known as the "Tower of the King," it is the central building of the Kanagawa administration, complete with history and tradition."

O-MAL

"Big and nice and good office government"

Yumi Yamada

What People Like

Amazing rooftop views
Historic interior atmosphere
Rare public access opportunities

What People Dislike

Limited public access
Primarily an office building

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The building is located in Yokohama, easily accessible via public transport. It's a short walk from major stations like Yokohama Station, which serves multiple train lines including the Tokaido, Yokosuka, and Shonan-Shinjuku lines, as well as the Tokyu Toyoko Line and Yokohama City Subway Blue Line. TikTok

While the building is an administrative center, dedicated public parking might be limited. It's generally recommended to use the extensive public transportation network in Yokohama. TikTok

Yes, Yokohama is conveniently located just south of Tokyo and is easily reachable by train. The journey typically takes around 30-40 minutes from central Tokyo stations. TikTok+1

The closest major station is Yokohama Station, a significant hub for various JR and private railway lines. From there, it's a walk or a short local bus ride to the building. TikTok

While not a primary tourist attraction, it's known for its architecture and the 'King' nickname. Its rooftop offers great views, and it's sometimes open to the public on special event days. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, the building is an administrative office and not open to the public for casual visits. However, during special 'open days,' entry might be free or require a nominal fee for specific events. Reddit

Regular office hours apply for administrative functions. For public access, especially to the rooftop or interior tours, you must check for announcements regarding special 'open days,' as these are infrequent. Reddit

The rooftop is typically accessible to the public only during designated 'open days' or special events. It offers fantastic views of Yokohama Bay. Reddit

There was a mention of renovation, so it's advisable to check for any current status or access restrictions before planning your visit. Reddit

The frequency of 'open days' varies. They are not a regular occurrence and are usually announced in advance by the Kanagawa Prefectural Government. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The rooftop provides the most iconic photo opportunities with panoramic views of Yokohama Bay and its landmarks. The exterior architecture itself is also photogenic. Reddit

Photography rules can vary, especially during special open days. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff on-site about restrictions, particularly in historical areas like the former VIP room. Reddit

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for cityscape and bay photos. Midday can also be good for clear, bright views. Reddit

Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around government buildings due to safety and privacy regulations. It's highly unlikely to be permitted. TikTok

The building itself, often referred to as the 'King' building, has a distinct architectural style. During open days, the historical elements within, like the former VIP room, are also noteworthy. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ History & Culture

Known as the 'King' building, it's a central administrative structure for Kanagawa Prefecture, possessing a significant history and traditional architectural elements. Reddit

While not explicitly mentioned for this building, Yokohama itself is a backdrop for anime like 'Bungo Stray Dogs,' and the city's modern skyline is often depicted. TikTok

The nickname 'King' likely refers to its prominent position as the central administrative building for the prefecture, symbolizing its importance and stature. Reddit

During special open days, various events are often held, which can include cultural displays or activities, particularly appealing to families. Reddit

Visiting during an open day can offer insights into the prefecture's administration and history, especially if tours of historical rooms are available. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with Kids

The Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building can be a surprisingly engaging spot for families, especially during its special 'open days.' These events often feature a variety of family-friendly activities and exhibits, making the visit more interactive and fun for children. Reddit Beyond the events, the rooftop offers a safe and exciting space for kids to take in the expansive views of Yokohama Bay, sparking their curiosity about the city and its surroundings. It's a great opportunity for a unique educational outing that combines a bit of history with breathtaking scenery. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the 'King' building offers two main draws: its own distinctive architecture and the spectacular panoramic views from its rooftop. During open days, the chance to capture the historical interiors, including the former VIP room, presents unique photographic opportunities. Reddit The rooftop is particularly prized for its sweeping vistas of Yokohama Bay, the city's skyline, and the busy port, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. It's an ideal location for capturing both urban landscapes and maritime scenes. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

History enthusiasts will appreciate the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building for its historical significance as the 'King' building, a central administrative landmark. The opportunity to tour areas like the former VIP room during open days provides a direct glimpse into the past and the building's heritage. Reddit Understanding its role in Kanagawa's governance and its architectural style adds depth to a visit, offering a tangible connection to the region's administrative history. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Experiencing the 'King' Building: Beyond the Office

The Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building, affectionately known as the 'King' building, is more than just an administrative hub; it's a structure steeped in history and offering unique perspectives of Yokohama. While its primary function is governmental, special 'open days' provide rare opportunities for the public to step inside and appreciate its architectural heritage. These events are crucial for experiencing the building's interior charm, which is often described as having a great atmosphere and historical significance. Reddit

During these special access periods, visitors can explore areas not typically open to the public, such as the former VIP room, offering a tangible connection to the past. The rooftop is another major draw, providing unparalleled panoramic views of Yokohama Bay, the city's modern skyline, and the bustling port. This elevated vantage point is a highlight for many, offering a different perspective of this dynamic coastal city. Reddit

For those interested in the 'King' building, it's essential to stay informed about when these open days are scheduled. They are not a regular occurrence and are announced by the Kanagawa Prefectural Government. Planning a visit around one of these events will maximize your experience, allowing you to appreciate both the building's historical context and its stunning scenic surroundings. Reddit

Yokohama's Skyline and the 'King' Building's Role

Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, boasts a striking modern skyline, particularly in areas like Minato Mirai. The Kanagawa Prefectural Government Building, or 'King' building, stands as a significant structure within this urban landscape. While it may not possess the futuristic gleam of newer skyscrapers, its historical presence and administrative importance lend it a unique character. TikTok

From the rooftop of the 'King' building, visitors can witness the juxtaposition of Yokohama's historical port facilities and its contemporary architectural marvels. This elevated viewpoint offers a comprehensive panorama, allowing one to trace the city's development and appreciate its role as a major commercial and cultural hub. The building's strategic location provides an excellent vantage point to capture the essence of Yokohama's vibrant waterfront. Reddit

While the 'King' building itself is a point of interest, its value to visitors often lies in the context it provides for understanding Yokohama's urban fabric. Its accessibility, especially during open days, makes it a valuable stop for those looking to grasp the city's blend of history and modernity, all while enjoying spectacular views. TikTok

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